Capital Catalyst Award Criteria

The Compass Award for Capital Catalyst honors organizations and leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs and small business owners. This award celebrates those who go beyond traditional investment methods to foster entrepreneurial growth, empowering underserved communities and creating pathways for sustainable business success.

The following factors are considered in the selection of the award winner (in no particular order):

• Leadership in launching or supporting innovative funding initiatives, grants, or programs that address critical gaps in access to capital for entrepreneurs such as small business owners, startup founders, etc.
• Significant contributions to initiatives or policies that enable inclusive entrepreneurship, particularly for underrepresented groups or regions.
• Demonstrated impact in fostering entrepreneurial growth through partnerships, ecosystem building, or non-traditional financial mechanisms.
• Engagement with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) through programs such as the Small Business Grants Program, Equitable Access Program, Global Entrepreneurship Week, or other initiatives that support entrepreneurial ecosystems globally.

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